Writing implement



Feb. 8, 1966 l.. c. HANSEN ETAL.

WRITING IMPLEMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 18, 1963 I Feb 8, 1966 1c. HANSEN ETAL 3,233,275

WRITING IMPLEMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed sept. 18, 1965 United StatesPatent O 3,233,275 WRITING IMPLEMENT Lewis C. Hansen and Richard I.Mansheim, Fort Madison, Iowa, assigner-s to W. A. Shealer Pen Company,Fort Madison, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 18, 1963, Ser.No. 309,685 16 Claims. (Cl. 15-563) This invention relates to Writingimplements and has special reference to a marking instrument of the typehaving a valve for controlling the transfer of fluid between thereservoir and a writing tip.

For many years ink marking instruments were relatively large, bulkydevices which were expensive and had ink reservoirs that periodicallyrequired refilling from a reserve ink supply. These instruments were,used almost exclusively by commercial establishments whose required usecould justify not only the initial cost of the instrument and a reservesupply of marking ink, but also the mess and inconvenience .ofrefilling.

ln recent years, however, disposable marking implements have becomeincreasingly lpopular not only because of their lower initial cost, butalso because they obviate the mess and inconvenience of refilling from aseparate supply container. These disposable marking units commonlyconsist of a can or jar type reservoir containing a prefilled capillarymass and an apertured closure through which an -.absorbent felt markingtip extends. Since design of these units contemplates disposal of theentire unit when the ink in the reservoir has been exhausted, all partsof the unit are cheaply constructed. Moreover, these units are thusgenerally bulky, unsuitable for convenient carrying and nonconducive toeither proper gripping or good writing.

Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide a markinginstrument wherein the fluid supply is contained in a pre-filleddisposable cartridge.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a markinginstrument having an improved reusable writing unit assembly and apre-filled disposable fluid cartridge.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a markinginstrument comprising a reusable writing unit assembly and a replaceablebarrel constituting a prelled link reservoir, the barrel having anormally closed valve which seals the reservoir when the barrel isdetached from the writing -unit assembly, and which controls thetransfer of fluid between the reservoir and marking tip when the barrelis attached to the writing unit assembly.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improvedconnecting seal between a writing unit assembly and a replaceable barrelcartridge in an inkmarking instrument.

An additional object of this invention is the provision of a marking pencomprising two separable sections, lone of which carries a valve andconstitutes a normally closed disposable ink reservoir, and the other ofwhich carries a marking tip and constitutes a reusable writing unitassembly.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved means forremovably mounting a marking tip for limited axial movement within thegripping section 3,233,275 Patented Feb. 8, 1966 control valvecomprising a valve seat and a movable valve member. Integral with thevalve seat is a forwardly projecting deformable annular flange whichslidably and Vsealably .engages a sealing surface provided on therearward end of the gripping section when the sections are assembled. Anaxially movable marking tip extends through the gripping section, andwhen the sections are assembled, the rearward end of the tip engages themovable -valve member. Thus the transfer of uid between the reservoirportion and gripping section may be controlled by manipulation of thetip.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a broken longitudinal sectional view of one embodiment of amarking instrument constructed according to the present invention,showing the parts as conditioned for writing or storage;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional View of the forwardportion of the embodiment of FIGURE 1, showing the relationship of theparts as the reservoir and gripping sections are assembled;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the forwardportion of the embodiment of FIGURE l, showing the parts as conditionedfor transferring fluid from the reservoir section to the writing tip inthe gripping section;

FIGURE 4 is a longitudinal sectional view in perspective of the valveseat of t-he embodiment of FIGURE l;

. FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective View of the writing tip of the embodiment 0fFIGURES l-5;

FIGURE 7 is a broken longitudinal sectional view of a second embodimentof this invention, showing the parts as conditioned for writing orstorage; and

FIGURE 8 is a broken longitudinal section of the central portion of amarking instrument showing an additional embodiment of this invention.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGURES 1-6, and particularly FIGURE1 thereof, there is illustrated a marking pen having a writing unitassembly 10 and a reservoir unit 12 removably secured together in axialvalignment by means such as the internal and external threads 13. Thewriting unit assembly includes a gripping section 14 and a marking tip15 the gripping section having a generally cylindrical externalconfiguration tapering `gradually toward its forward end to provide notonly a graceful, pleasing and `finished appearance, but to permitunobstructed viewing of the written li-ne and the end of the markingtip. The gripping section includes a rearwardly disposed externallythreaded mounting portion 16 of reduced diameter, and a still furtherreduced Y collar 18.

While the gripping section 14, may be formed of any one of severaldifferent materials, preferably it is molded from a plistic such asnylon o r polypropylene. The material which is chosen, of course, shouldbe dimensionally stable, resistant to reaction with any of theconstituents of the ink to be used in the pen, and capable of providinga lustrous, long-wearing and attractive appearance.

The gripping section 14 is provided with a longitudinally extendingaperture 20, which aperture defines a forward bore 22 and a concentricrearward bore 24 of smaller diameter. Both bores are substantiallystraight, although it will be understood that there may be a slighttaper or a draft for the purpose of permitting convenient withdrawal ofthe die following the molding operation.

In order to eliminate the inconvenience and mess attendant the fillingoperation of the usual marking instrumen-t, it is intended that the unit12 form a convenient, replaceable an disposable reservoir which may bereadily attached to and detached from the writing unit assembly.

This reservoir unit 12 includes a barrel section 26, which is closed atone end and open at the other, and a valve 28 which is mounted in theopen end of -the barrel. The barrel may be formed of a suitable plasticmaterial, and it is preferred that the forward open end be internallythreaded for engagement 'with the externally threaded mounting portion16 of the gripping section 14. As will be noted from the drawings, uponfull threaded interengagement of the barrel section 26 and grippingsection 14, the forward end of the barrel will abut a shoulder 29 asdefined at the forward end of the reduced mounting portion 16.

In the usual marking instrument of the non-capillary type, the writingunit assembly includes a valve which iS actuatable by the writing tip toserve the single purpose of controlling fluid movement, with the barrelmerely cornprising a hollow container which is refilled by pouring inkthereinto. Not only is such a filling procedure timeconsuming,inconvenient and likely to lead to stained hands and clothing, but ithas proven difficult to provide an adequate seal between the barrel andgripping section because of wear occurring as a result of frequentremoval of the barrel. In contrast, in the present invention a uniqueink-controlling valve 28 is provided within the replaceable barrelsection 26 and arranged and constructed to serve a number of purposes.It provides a positive seal with -t'he gripping section upon assembly ofthe gripping section and barrel while not interfering in any way withsuch assembly; it forms an effective seal for the contents of thereservoir during shipment and storage without danger of inadvertentdislodgement as a result of handling; it automatically compensates forany wear which may occur in the sealing surface of the gripping section;and it is easily operable during use.

The valve in the illustrated embodiments comprises a valve seat 30, amovable valve member or plug 32, and resilient member or spring 34. Thevalve seat 30 is preferably in the form -of an annular insert which ispress-fitted within the open end of the barrel or reservoir -section 26to form a fluid-tight seal therewith. To insure proper positioning ofthe insert 30, a shoulder 36 may be provided within the barrel 26. Forreasons which will be clear from the following discussion, the valveseat insert 30 should be formed of a tough nonbrittle material which issemi-resilient, i.e. relatively rigid or firm, yet of such a nature asto permit at least limited resilient flexure without either rupturing orrelaxing to any significant degree when subjected to tension for longperiods of time. One material which has been found suitable for thispurpose is polypropylene The insert member 30 includes a body portion38, and projecting forwardly from the body portion is an integral firstannular flange portion 39 which is concentric with -the body portion andis radially spaced from the surrounding barrel wall. As best shown inFIG- URE 4, the forwardly projecting flange portion 39 is provided withan annular offset surface 39a of somewhat reduced diameter. It ispreferred that a second integral annular flange portion 4i) be provided,this flange portion projecting rearwardly from the body portion andbeing concentric with the body and first flange portions 38 and 39. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the second flange portion 4t) iscircumscribed and defined in part by an annular recess 42 in therearward end of the member 30. This second flange portion 46 is adaptedto resiliently and sealingly engage the movable valve member 32; and theinner surface 44 of this flange portion preferably flares slightly fromthe juncture with the body portion 38 as may best be seen in FIGURE 4.

As will be obvious from the drawings, the body portion 38 and concentricflange portions 39 and 40 provide a longitudinal passageway 46 adjacentthe open end of the barrel section 26 through which ink may pass fromthe barrel for direct transfer to the aperture of the gripping Section14.

The valve member 32 is provided for the purpose of selectively sealingthe passageway 46 and thereby interrupting the flow of ink into thegripping section aperture 20. In the preferred embodiment the valvemember 32 consists of a ball or sphere, with the diameter of the ball 32preferably being about equal to the diameter of ythe slightly flaredinner surface 44 of the second flange 40 at its midpoint. In this waythe ball may center itself readily in the flange, and yet it will notpass into the portion of the passageway wi-thin the body portion 38. Theball, of course, should be formed of a metal or plastic which is inertto the constituents of the ink intended for use in the writinginstrument, a plastic generally being preferred since this type ofmaterial is lighter in weight than many metals and would be less likelyto be displaced inadvertently should the implement be subjected to asevere jar, as by being dropped on its closed end.

As poined out previously, the valve seat 3!) preferably is formed of asemi-resilient material, not only to insure an adequate seal with thebarrel 26, but to provide limited lateral resilience of the flanges 39and 40. Thus, as the ball 32 is urged into engagement with the flange40, the

f flange will deform laterally or radially to insure that the of theflange when the ball is seated therein.

ball is sealed completely even though the ball should not be perfectlyspherical. A comparison of the positioning of the flange 40 as betweenFIGURES Zand 3 will best illustrate this lateral deformation orexpansion It will be understood that the amount and character of theexpansion of the flange can be varied fairly substantially by theinclination of the tapered surface 44, the length and thickness of theflange, and the material from which the flange is formed. In fact,depending upon the uniformity of the ball 32 or such other valve memberas might be chosen, the flange 40 may be relatively stiff if littledeflection thereof is required for sealing.

The spring member 34 is an expansion type coil spring and is disposedwithin the barrel section 26. The rearward end o-f this spring abuts theshoulder 50 provided within the barrel 26, and the ball 32 is constantlyurged by the spring 34 toward seating engagement with the flange 40.

The collar 18 of the gripping section 14 is provided with a generallyfrusto-conical external surface 5l, the diameter of which decreasestoward the rearward end thereof, i.e. the upper end in the drawings.This frustoconical sealing surface is sized to permit initial entry ofthe rearward end of the collar into the flanged forward end of theinsert 30. The sealing surface Sl on the collar will slidably engage theinternally offset surface 39a of the first Iflange 39 while the barrelsection 26 and gripping section i4 are being screwed together, as may beseen in FIGURE 2. During this assembly of the sections, the collar willcontinue to move into the annular valve seat insert 3ft causing theflange 39 to e7- pand radially and the engagement between the sealingsurface 51 on the collar'and the offset surface 39a of the insert thuswill become progressively tighter, therelby insuring an effective sealtherebetween even if the surface 51 should be somewhat nonuniform or ifit should wear as a result of long usage.

This unique sealing arrangement of a sliding seal between the firstflange 39 of the valve seat insert and gripping section collar I8further insures against any possibility of interference with theconvenient assembly of the barrel and gripping section, since iteliminates the necessity of trying to effect seating of an inwardlydisposed, fairly compression-resistant seal element simultaneously withthe abutment between the forward end of the barrel 26 and the shoulder29 on the gripping sect1on. As will be understood, the positioning ofthe valve seat insert 30,' and particularly the flange portion 39thereof, with respect to the end of the barrel should be such as toprovide a slight clearance between the flange and the rearward end ofthe mounting portion 16 when the gripping section and barrel section aref-ully secured together. Thus, to effect this clearance, the distancebetween the end of the ange portion 39 and the forward end of the barrelsection 26 should be greater than the length of the mounting portion 16.The clearance is desirable to prevent premature abutment of the flangewith the rearward end of the mounting portion and possible interferencewith complete assembly of the barrel and gripping sections.

Disposed within the bores 22 and 24 of the gripping section 14 is aporous marking tip 15, which comprises a body portion S3, an integral,axially aligned, reduced shank portion 54 and an integral laterallydistented head portion 55. The body portion 53 is longer than the bore22, and it is slidably disposed in this bore with the forward endthereof extending beyond the forward end of the gripping section 14 toprovide a writing tip preferably rounded or hemispherically shaped asillustrated. The shank portion 54 is of smaller cross-sectional diameterthan the body portion, and it is slidably disposed in the smaller 'bore24. The length of the shank portion 54 exceeds the length of the bore 24by a distance equal to the length of permitted longitudinal movement ofthe marking tip within the gripping section which may, for example, beabout 3/16 of an inch.

The rearwardly facing shoulder 56, formed at and as a result of thejunction of the body portion 53 and the reduced shank portion 54 of themarking tip, is sized to abut the forwardly facing shoulder 57, which isformed within the gripping section at and as a result of the junction ofthe concentric bores 22 and 24. This abutment consequently provides ameans of limiting the rearward axial movement of the tip 15 within theaperture of the gripping section.

The laterally or radially distended head portion S5 of the marking tip,on the other hand, is provided to limit the forward axial movement ofthe tip within the aperture 20 of the gripping section and thus preventinadvertent loss of the tip 15 through the forward end of the grippingsection. As best illustrated in FIGURE 6, the head portion 55 ispreferably in the form of a radial eccentric flange-like projectionsized to abut the rearward end of the collar 18. If preferred, the headmay be a concentric disc shaped configuration or even a removableprojecting pin or plate. However, as will be explained in more detailherebelow, the tip 15 preferably is formed of a material of a relativelyresilient nature whereby the head 55, which itself is relatively rigid,may be deformed or displaced generally inwardly to permit passagethereof through the rearward bore 24 should the user wish to remove thetip either by grasping its exposed outer end or pushing forwardly on itsrearward end with a narrow instrument. It has been found that, if theconfiguration of the head is that of a slight eccentric projection asillustrated, it will resiliently deform with greater ease, thusfacilitating its forcible insertion into and removal from the narrowbore 24 of the gripping section. Thus, the present invention providesthe unique feature of a tip which, for purposes of inspection and/ orreplacement, can be removed readily while still being restrained againstinadvertent loss.

Although other types of material may be used for the tip 15, such asfelted fibers, preferably it is formed of a plastic material consistingof a cohesive matrix of a synthetic polymeric material having formedtherethrough interconnected pores or cells of a size which will retain acharge of marking tiuid by capillary attraction but will readily releasesuch fluid upon contact with a marking surface.

The matrix preferably consists of a multiplicity of solid particles of agenerally predetermined size which have been sintered or otherwise fusedprimarily at their points of surface contact to provide theinterconnected pores. The polymeric material from which the matrix isformed should be inert, that is, it should not react adversely in 6 thepresence of the constituents of the marking ink being used. Moreover,the matrix material should be of a tough and semi-liexible nature, andit should have good resistance to abrasion and wear. For this purpose,polyethylene granules have been found to serve satisfactorily, althoughother materials, such as nylon, may be chosen.

After the body portion 53 and reduced shank portion 54 of the plastictip 15 have been molded or otherwise fabricated, the offset orprojection 55 may be formed preferably lby remolding or hot forming, andthe upper or rearward surface of the head may be simultaneously dimpledto provide a dish or cup shaped concavity of approximately the sameradius as the spherical ball or valve member 32. This concavity may beformed by pressing a heated die of the desired configuration against therearward end of the head portion 55, and it may be facilitated bysupporting the 4upper end of the shank portion 54 in a die or similarmember having a cavity which will confine the movement of the softenedplastic to insure formation of the desired offset. The head portion maybe provided with a rounded or beveled edge to facilitate insertionthereof into the gripping section. As a result of this formingoperation, the head portion of the tip is somewhat solidified to providea substantially solid and rigid surface or seat for abutment with andsupport of the ball 32.

In preparing the reservoir unit 12, ink is deposited in the barrel 26and the spring 34 is then dropped into position within the barrel torest upon the shoulder 50. The insert member 30 and the ball 32 are thenforced into position within the open end of the barrel by means of apunch. During this positioning, the punch holds the ball away fromseating engagement with the Valve seat so that there will be noentrapment of air or buildup of pressure within the barrel. After theunit 12 has thus been filled and assembled, it may be desired to placethe unit in a vacuum chamber to draw the ball 32 somewhat more securelyinto the tiange than would be effected by the spring pressure alone.

In use, the reservoir unit 12 and writing unit 10 are threaded togetherto effect the previously described seal between the forwardly extendingflange 39 and the surface of the rearwardly extending collar 18. Thus, auid tight connection is created between the reservoir and the grippingsection. To ink the tip for writing, it is then merely necessary for theuser to press the forward end of the tip 15 against a hard surface inorder to move the tip and the ball rearwardly against the resistance ofthe spring 34 to a position spaced from the second tiange 40, asillustrated in FIGURE 3. The concave rearward surface of the head 55will maintain the ball centered on the head, thus assuring full openingof the valve upon rearward movement of the tip. During this movement,ink from the reservoir will flow through the passageway 46 of the valveseat 30, and through the annular space between adjacent surfaces of thetip shank portion 54 and aperture 24 of the gripping section, from whereit flows over and is absorbed by the tip body portion 53 for subsequentapplication to a writing surface. Re-inking of the tip, of course, iseffected in the same manner. Upon release of the rearward pressure onthe tip, the spring 34 will move the ball 32 and tip forwardly to closethe valve and project the forward end of the tip for writing. It ispreferred that the spring 34 be sufficiently strong to resist rearwardmovement of the ball 32 under normal writing pressure, since there-inking should normally be a conscious movement of the tip and not anunexpected movement which could be objectionable during writing.

It is desirable to provide the forward bore 22 of the gripping section14 with a plurality of longitudinally extending, spaced splines 60,which lightly but frictionally engage the body portion 53 of the tip 15.These splines are best illustrated in FIGURE 5. It is preferred thatthree such splines be provided angularly spaced about apart andextending substantially the entire length of the bore 22. The splinesnot only insure proper positioning of the tip centrally within the bore22, but also provide spaces 62 for the movement of ink and air duringinking and re-inking of the tip 15. Thus, as the valve is opened, fiuidmay fiood downwardly over at least a portion of the exterior surface ofthe tip, and the tip can be charged with fluid quite quickly since itdoes not have to filter through the pores of the tip for the entirelength of the tip.

f Another advantage of the present invention is that the color or typesof ink can be changed readily by simply changing the reservoir unit 12,and this may be done even if the contents of the reservoir unit are notcompletely depleted. By virtue of the spring 34, the ball 32 normally issealed within the fiange 40, whereby any contents of the reservoir willbe fully protected against loss or evaporation, should the reservoir beremoved and stored even for long periods of time.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGURE 7, the gripping sectionillustrated therein is substantially the same as the gripping sectiondescribed hereabove with respect to the embodiment of FIGURES 1 5.Briefly, it includes a reduced rearward m-ounting portion 102, and astill further reduced collar 104, which is provided with a generallyfrusto-conical sealing surface 106. Extending longitudinally through thegripping section 100 is an aperture 108, which includes a forward boreand a reduced rearward bore 112.

Thereservoir unit 114 is substantially the same as the reservoir unit 12of the previously described embodiment, comprising a replaceable fiuidcartridge defining a barrel section 116 having an open end adapted forthreadable engagement with the mounting portion 102. Press-fitted withinthe barrel 116 is a valve seat 118 molded or other- Wise formed of amaterial such as polypropylene and provided with a first annular flange120 extending forwardly thereof, and a second annular flange 122extending rearwardly. As will be apparent from FIGURE 7, both flangesare spaced radially from adjacent wall portions of the barrel portion116 and, therefore, are free to expand radially whereby the forwardfiange 120 will provide a sliding seal with the sealing surface 106 ofthe collar 104 as the b-arrel and gripping section are screwed together.

Disposed within the barrel 116 and urged forwardly by a coil spring 124is a movable valve member 126. The valve member 126 is molded orotherwise formed with a generally circular forward portion 128 having acurved or beveled forward edge providing what might be termed a lead-infor convenient entry into the upper end of the passageway 130 as definedby the valve seat 118 and tianges 120 and 122. Preferably the sidesurface of the forward portion 128 is tapered somewhat so that, as it ismov-ed into the flange 122, the surface will cause radial expansion ofthe ange to insure a complete seal between the valve member 126 andflange 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the rearwardly extendingflange 122 of the valve seat insert is not ared, though, if desired, aflare may be provided either in the place of or in addition to the taperon the forward portion 128 of the valve member.

The rearward portion 123 of the valve member 126 is preferably ofenlarged diameter and may be provided in its rearward surface with arecess 134 sized to receive the forward end of the spring 124.

In this embodiment, the porous marking tip 136 is of reduced length, anddoes not extend the full length of the bore 110. Instead it isfrictionally retained in the bore by contact with a plurality oflongitudinally extending spaced splines 138 which preferably are of thesame general character as the splines 60 described previously withrespect to the first embodiment. Between the rearward end of the poroustip 136 and the forward surface of the valve member 12S is a rod-likespacer member 140 which is of smaller diameter than the porous tip andis provided on its rearward end with a radial offset or head 142 toprevent inadvertent loss thereof through the forward end of the grippingsection, should the tip 136 be removed for replacement purposes. Themarking tip 136 and the spacer rod 140 are not connected within thegripping section though they are retained in contact engagement by thefrictional resistance of the splines and the spring 124, which isstronger than the frictional resistance of the splines. In thisembodiment, the spacer rod 140 does not necessarily have to be of adeformable or resilient nature, since it can be readily removedrearwardly through the reduced bore 112 after the barrel and grippingsections have been disassembled.

It may be desirable to provide a reversible marking tip 136 (i.e., onehaving a writing point 137 at each end thereof). For this purpose, theforward end of the spacer rod 140 preferably is provided with a socketor recess 141 of a shape generally complementary to that of the points137. While other recess configurations may be chosen, a transverselydisposed generally V-shaped slot has proven to be desirable, since sucha slot will receive and center any ofthe usual tip shapes, such as awedge, a cone or a hemisphere, without undesirable distortion or damagethereto under writing and valve opening pressures. If desired, thewriting points at the respective ends of the tip 136 may differ inconfiguration and in writing characteristics. For example, one end maybe sharper than the other for producing a thinner written line. Even ifa reversible tip should not be used, complementary abutting surfaces onthe tip and adjacent valve member, or spacer, are desirable for thepurpose of preventing relative lateral slipping and thus assisting inmaintaining alignment of the parts.

In use, t-he prefilled reservoir unit 114 is assembled with the grippingsection 100, whereby the forward flange 120 of the valve seat insertslidingly and sealingly engages the sealing surface 106 of the grippingsection collar and is deformed thereover to provide a fluid tightconnection and passage between the reservoir and the aperture 108 of thegripping section 100. Subsequently, to effect inking of the tip, the tipis moved rearwardly relative to the gripping section 100 whereby thevalve member 126 will be unseated from the flange 122 to permit themovement of ink through the passageway 130, and thence through therearward bore 112 into the forward bore 110 for absorption by the porousmarking tip and subsequent deposit on a writing surface.

The embodiment of FIGURE 8 illustrates a modified valve seat and collar.In this embodiment, the valve seat insert 200 is formed with a rearwardliange 202 and a forwardly projecting ange 204 which, as in thepreviously described embodiments, are transverselyl deformable.

The gripping section 206 is provided with a mounting portion 208 of agenerally annular nature, the mounting portion being internally threadedto receive the reduced extension 210 provided on the forward end of thebarrel or reservoir portion 212. Radially spaced from the mountingportion 203 of the gripping section 206 is a rearwardly projectingcollar 214 having formed internally thereof a daring, generallyfrusto-conical sealing surface 216 which is sized to slidingly andsealingly receive and engage the laterally deformable forward iiange 204as the gripping section 206 and barrel portion 212 are assembledtogether. Thus, a iiuid tight connection and passageway 21S is providedthrough the valve seat 200 between the reservoir and the bore 220` ofthe gripping section 206.

Disposed within the bore 220 of the gripping section 206 is a spacer orwriting tip 222 which is free to move longitudinally and carries anenlarged head portion 223 rearwardly of the bore 220 and in abutmentwith the ball valve member 224. Thus the valve member is caused to moverearwardly upon manual depression of the tip 222 for purposes of inkingor re-inking the tip as described in more detail with respect to thepreceding embodirnents.

9 Although the invention has been described with a certainparticularity, it is understood that the foregoing `embodiments areillustrated and described herein only by way of example and that thisinvention is not to be limited thereto as various modifications may bemade without departing from its true spirit and scope, as hereinafterclaimed.

What is claimed is:

1. In a writing implement the combination of a reservoir section havingan opening end, a gripping section removably attached to the open end ofsaid reservoir section, a valve disposed within said reservoir sectionadjacent said open end for controlling liquid flow from said reservoirsection, said valve comprising a valve seat, a movable valve member andresilient means urging said valve member toward a closed position, saidgripping sect-ion having a central bore, means forming a restrictionwithin said bore spaced from the forward end of said gripping sect-ionand from said valve seat, a marking tip having an absorbent forwardportion and a rearward portion having a shank of greater length andsmaller cross-sectional diameter than said bore restriction and a headof slightly greater cross-sectional diameter than said bore restriction,said marking tip being slidably mounted within said bore with saidabsorbent forward portion disposed forwardly of said bore restriction:and with said rearward portion disposed with the head thereof inengagement with said movable valve member and the shank thereofextending through said bore restriction, whereby said marking tip may oeheld in a forward position by said resilient means and said valve may beopened by axial movement of said marketing tip.

2. In a writing implement, the combination of a reservoir section openat one end, a gripping section threaded into the open end of saidreservoir section, a tip carried by said gripping section, a memberhaving an annular body portion mounted within said reservoir section inspaced relationship with respect to said open end, a first annularflange portion projecting from said body portion for sealingly engagingsaid gripping section, a second annular flange portion projecting fromsaid body portion in a direction opposite that of said first flangeportion, said body portion and said flanges defining a reduced centralpassageway, a valve member disposed at the inner end of said passagewasaid valve member lbeing movable between a first position sealinglyengaging said second flange yportion and a second position spaced fromsaid second flange portion, said tip having a rearward portion disposedwithin said passageway in operative engagement with said valve memberand being reciprocal relative to said gripping section to move saidvalve member between said first and said second positions, and means forresiliently urging said valve member toward said first position to closesaid reservoir section.

3. In a writing implement, the combination of a reservoir section4having an open forward end, -a gripping section having a rearwardmounting portion detachably assembled with the open end of saidreservoir section, a tip carried by said gripping section for reciprocalmovement relative thereto, a member having an annular body portiondisposed within the open end of said reservoir section, a first annularflange portion projecting forwardly from said body portion for sealingengagement with the mounting portion of said gripping section, a secondannular flange portion co-axially aligned with said first flange portionand projecting rearwardly from said body portion and defining aresilient valve seat, said body portion and said first and second flangeportions defining a passageway through the open end of said reservoirsection, a valve member within said reservoir section and movabletherein between a forward position sealingly engaging said second flangeto close said passageway and a rearward position spaced from said secondflange to open said passageway, said tip being in operative engage-Vment with said valve member and movable from a for- 10 ward position toa rearward position to move said valve member from its forward toitsrearward position, and means urging said valve member `and said tipsimultaneously toward their forward positions.

4. In a writing implement, the combination of a reservoir section havingau open forward end, a gripping section having a rearward mountingportion detachably assembled with said open end, said gripping sectiondefining a llongitudinal aperture extending therethrough, a rearwardlyprojecting tapered sealing surface provided by said mounting portion, amarking element carried by said gripping section for sliding movementwithin said longitudinal aperture, said marking element having anabsonbent tip, valve means within said reservoir section, said valvemeans including a valve seat mounted within and sealingly engaging theportions of said Ireservoir section adjacent said open end, a laterallyresilient annular flange projecting fonwardly from said valve seat,saidflange being in surrounding sealing engagement with the taperedsealing surface of said gripping section mounting portion, said valveseat and said flan-ge defining a central passageway aligned with saidlongitudinal aperture to provide uid communication from said reservoirsection through said gripping section, a valve 4member within saidreservoir portion and movable therein between a fonwardl positionsealingly engaging said valve seat and a rearward position spaced fromsaid valve seat, said marking element being in engagement with saidvalve member, said valve member being movable from said forward positionto said reanward position in response to rearward movement of saidmarking element and, resilient means within said reservoir portion forurging said valve member and said marking element simultaneously -in aforward direction to project said tip from said gripping section and toclose said passageway in said reservoir section.

5. In a writing implement, the combination of a disposable reservoirsection having an open end, a grippin-g section having a reanwardmounting portion adapted to be detachably assembled with the open'end ofsaid reservoir sect-ion, a rigid collar axially aligned with andextending outwardly beyondsaid mounting portion, said collar defining agenerally frusto-conical sealing surface, a member mounted within ansealingly engaging said barrel adjacent said open end, said memberincluding a valve seat portion and an integral forwardly projectinglaterally deformable resilient annular flange portion, said flangeportion slidin-gly engaging said `frusto-conical sealing surface andconcomitantly .being resi-liently deformedl thereby to provide alaterally acting, longitudinally adjustable seal between the collar ofsaid gripping section and the open end of said reservoir section whensaid sections are assembled, said valve seat and said flange defining afluid passageway between said reservoir section and said grippingsection, and means for selectively closing said passageway afterassembly of said gripping section and said reservoir section.

6. In a valve unit for a marking implement of the type having an -inkreservoir section open at one end and a gripping section adapted to bedetachably assembled with the open end of the reservoir section, thecombination of a resilient member having a body portion mounted Withinand sealingly engaging the open end of the reservoir section, a firstflange portion projecting forwardly from said body portion, a secondflange portion concentric -with said first flange portion and projectingrearwardly from said body portion, said first flange sealingly engagingsaid gripping section and concomitantly being resiliently deformedlaterally thereby upon assembly of said gripping section and sai-dreservoir portion, said body portion and said first and second flangeportions defining a passageway through the open end of the reservoirsection, and a valve member axially movable between a forward positionsealingly engaging said second flange to close said passageway and arearward position spaced from said second flange to open saidpassageway.

7. In a marking implement, an ink reservoir section open at :one end, agripping section having a rearward mounting portion detachably assembledwith the open end of said reservoir sect-ion, an annular membersealingly disposed within the open end of said reservoir section, saidmember including an integral first annular ange projectin-g forwardlytoward said open end, and an integral second annular flange concentricwith said first flange and projecting rearwardly from said open end,said first liange surrounding and sealingly engaging said mountingportion and concomitantly being radially deformed thereby upon yassemblyof said -gripping section and said reservoir section, said valve seatand said first and second flanges defining a uid passageway through theopen end of said rese-rvoir section, -a spherical valve member axiallymovable lbetween la forward position sealingly engaging and laterallydeforming said second flange, and a rearward position spaced from saidsecond flange, means for urging said valve member toward said forwardposition to close said passageway, and means for selectively moving saidvalve member toward its rearward position and for conducting -uid fromsaid reservoir section through said gripping section.

8. In a writing implement, the :combination o-f a disposable barrelhaving an open |forward end and defining internally thereof a writinguid rese-rvoir, a -gripping section having a forward end portion and arearward endportion, sa-id rearward end portion detachably assembledwith the open end of said barrel and being provided with a rearwardlyextending collar having a generally frusto-conical exterior surface, aresilient annular member sealingly disposed within the open end of saidbarrel, said member including an annular body portion, an integral firstannular ange portion projection-g forwardly toward said open end in aradially spaced relation with the adjacent surface of said barrel, andan integral second annular flange portion concentric with said firstflange portion and projecting rearwardly from said open end -in aradially spaced relation with the adjacent surface of said barrel, saidfirst flange portion sealingly engaging the collar of said mountingportion and concomitantly being expanded laterally thereby upon assemblyof said gripping section and said barrel, said body portion and saidiirst and second flange portions defining a uid passageway through theopen end of said barrel, a valve member axially lInova-ble rwithin saidbarrel between a forward position sealingly engaging and laterallydeforming said second flange, and -a rearward position spaced from saidsecond flange, means for urging said valve member toward said forwardposition to close said passageway, and means yfor selectively movingsaid rval-ve member toward its rearward position and for conducting inkfrom said barrel through said gripping section.

9. The structure of claim 8 wherein said valve member is spherical.

10. In a writing implement, the combination of a reservoir sectionhaving an open end, a gripping section having a rearward mountingportion adapted to be detachably assembled with said open end of saidreservoir section, said gripping section defining a longitudinalaperture extending therethrough, an absorbent marking tip disposed forreciprocal movement within said aperture and extending beyond both endsof said gripping section, said marking tip having a laterally distendedhead disposed rearwardly of and sized to abut the rearward end of saidgripping section to restrict forward movement of said marking tip, andmeans operable by said tip for selectively blocking fluid iiow from saidreservoir section into the aperture of said gripping section.

11. In a writing implement, the combination of a reservoir sectionhaving an open end, a gripping section having a rearward mountingportion adapted to be detachably assembled with the open end of saidreservoir section, a

valve unit disposed within said reservoir section for controlling fluidcommunication between said reservoir section and said gripping section,said gripping section delining a pair of co-axial bores including afirst bore extending through the forward end thereof and a second boreof reduced diameter extending from said first bore through the mountingportion thereof, a marking tip having an absorbent body portion slidablydisposed in said first bore, .a head portion disposed rearwardly of saidsecond bore for operating engagement with said valve unit, and anintermediate shank portion of reduced cross Section slidably disposed insaid second bore, said shank portion being of greater length than saidsecond bore and said head portion being positioned for abuttingengagement with said mounting portion thereby restraining said tipagainst loss through the forward end of said gripping section, said headportion being resiliently displaceable whereby said tip may be removedmanually from said bores,

12. In a writing implement, the combination of a disposable barrelhaving an open forward end and defining internally thereof a writingfluid reservoir, a gripping section having a forward end portion and arearward end portion, said rearward end portion detachably assembledwith the open end of said barrel and being provided with a rearwardlyextending collar having a generally frustoconical exterior surface, saidgripping section having a pair of co-axial bores including a first boreextending through said forward end portion and a second bore of reduceddiameter extending from said first bore through said rearward endportion and said collar, a marking tip having an absorbent body portionslidably disposed in said first bore, a laterally distended head portiondisposed rearwardly of said second bore, and an intermediate shankportion of reduced cross section slidably disposed in said second bore,said body portion being at least as long as said first bore, said shankportion being of greater length than said second bore, and said headport-ion being positioned for abutting engagement with said collar torestrict forward movement of said marking tip, a valve having anapertured valve seat mounted within and sealingly engaging said barreladjacent said open end, a laterally resilient annular ange projectingforwardly from said valve seat into surrounding sealing engagement withthe exterior surface of said gripping section collar portion, a valvemember movable within said reservoir between a forward positionsealingly engaging said valve seat and `a rearward position spaced fromsaid valve seat, the head of said marking tip projecting into engagementwith said valve member when said barrel and said gripping section areassembled, whereby member may be moved from said forward position tosaid rearward position in response to corresponding longitudinal slidingmovement of said marking tip, and a means disposed within said reservoirurging said valve member and said marking tip simultaneously in aforward direction to prevent movement of writing fluid from saidreservoir and to partially project said marking tip body portion fromthe forward end portion of said gripping section.

13. In a writing implement, the combination of a reservoir sectionhaving an open end, a gripping section having a rearward mountingportion adapted to be detachably assembled with the open end of saidreservoir section, a valve unit disposed within said reservoir sectionfor controlling fluid communication between said reservoir section andsaid gripping section, said gripping section defining a pair of co-axialbores including a first bore extending through the forward end thereofand a second bore of reduced diameter extending from said tirst borethrough the mounting portion thereof, a plurality of radiallyprotuberant longitudinal splines disposed within said first bore, amarking tip having an absorbent body portion slidably disposed in saidfirst bore, a head portion disposed rearwardly of said second bore foroperating engagement with said valve unit, and an intermediate shankportion of reduced cross section slidably disposed in said second bore,said shank portion being of greater length than said second bore andsaid head portion being positioned for abutting engagement with saidmounting portion thereby restraining said tip against loss through theforward end of said gripping section, the crosssec tional diameter ofsaid body portion being smaller than the diameter of said first bore,the longitudinal splines in said first bore being effective to supportsaid marking tip body portion in spaced relation with respect to thebore defining walls of said gripping section and thus provide alongitudinal fiuid passageway adjacent said body portion within saidfirst bore, and said head portion being resiliently displaceable wherebysaid tip may be removed manually from said bores.

14. In a writing implement having a barrel section and a grippingsection releasably joined to the forward end of the barrel section inaxial alignment therewith, a valve disposed in said barrel section, saidvalve comprising a valve seat, a valve member movable between a forwardposition sealingly engaging said valve seat and a rearward positionspaced from said valve seat, and means urging said valve memberforwardly into sealing engagement with said valve seat, and a markingelement slidably disposed within said gripping section for engagement ofthe rearward end thereof with the forward end of said valve member,whereby said valve member may be moved rearwardly in response tocorresponding movement of said marking element, said marking elementcomprising two separable sections one of which is disposed forwardly ofthe other for writing engagement with a writing surface, said onesection being in frictional engagement with portions of the surroundinggripping section and having reduced forward and rearward ends, and saidother section of said marking element having its forward end recessed toaccommodate alternatively the reduced ends of said one section wherebysaid one section may be reversed.

15. The structure of claim 14 wherein the reduced ends of said markingelement one section differ in configuration and writing characteristics.

15. In a writing implement, the combination of a reservoir sectionhaving an open end, a gripping section having a rearward mountingportion adapted to be detachably assembled with the open end of saidreservoir section, a valve unit disposed within said reservoir sectionfor controlling fiuid communication between said reservoir section andsaid gripping section, said gripping section defining a pair of co-axialbores including a first bore extending tllrough the forward end thereofand a second bore of reduced diameter extending from said first borethrough the mounting portion thereof, a plurality of radiallyprotuberant longitudinal splines disposed within said first bore, amarking tip having an absorbent body portion slidably disposed in saidfirst bore, a head portion disposed rearwardly of said second bore foroperating engagement with said valve unit, and an intermediate shankportion of reduced cross section slidably disposed in said second bore,said shank portion being of greater length than said second bore, thecross-sectional diameter of said body portion being smaller than thediameter of said first bore, the longitudinal splines in said first borebeing in frictional engagement with and effective to support saidmarking tip body portion in spaced relation with respect to the boredefining walls of said gripping section and thus provide a lonigtudinalfiuid passageway adjacent said body portion within said first bore.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 600,299 3/ 1898Werner 1Z0-42.4 3,003,181 10/1961 Rosenthal 15-563 3,003,183 10/1961Rosenthal 15-580 X 3,003,184 10/1961 Rosenthal 15-581 FOREIGN PATENTS1,049,071 10/ 1953 France.

728,188 4/ 1955 Great Britain.

CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No.3,233,275 February 8, 1966 Lewis C. Hansen et al It is hereby certifiedthat error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction andthat the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 2, line 71, for "an disposable" read and disposable column 5,line 13, for "dstented" read distended column 9, line l0, for "opening"read open column l0, line 44, for "an" read and column l1, line 36, for"projectiong" read projecting Signed and sealed this 10th day of January1967.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST w. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER` Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents

10. IN A WRITING IMPLEMENT, THE COMBINATION OF A RESERVOIR SECTIONHAVING AN OPEN END, A GRIPPING SECTION HAVING A REARWARD MOUNTINGPORTION ADAPTED TO BE DETACHABLY ASSEMBLED WITH SAID OPEN END OF SAIDRESERVOIR SECTION, SAID GRIPPING SECTION DEFINING A LONGITUDINALAPERTURE EXTENDING THERETHROUGH, AN ABSORBENT MARKING TIP DISPOSED FORRECIPROCAL MOVEMENT WITHIN SAID APERTURE AND EXTENDING BEYOND BOTH ENDSOF SAID GRIPPING SECTION, SAID MARKING TIP HAVING A LATERALLY DISTENDEDHEAD DISPOSED REARWARDLY OF AND SIZED TO ABUT THE REARWARD END OF SAIDGRIPPING SECTION TO RESTRICT FORWARD MOVEMENT OF SAID MARKING TIP, ANDMEANS OPERABLE BY SAID TIP FOR SELECTIVELY BLOCKING FLUID FLOW SAIDRESERVOIR SECTION INTO THE APERTURE OF SAID GRIPPING SECTION.